THE QUALIFYING EXAM.
In September at the beginning of their Second year,
all students are expected to take an oral "Qualifying Examination".
Students must pass the Qualifying Exam in order to continue
in graduate school. This exam has two main elements.
(1) Report on the progress of first-year research.
(2) Demonstrate a broad understanding of current astronomy.
The exam will be conducted by a committee of four to five faculty members.
Input from the research advisor and from the broader faculty may be
sought as well.
Each student will interact with the panel for up to 1 hour.
See the "qualifying exam" web page for more detail.
WRAPPING UP FIRST-YEAR RESEARCH EFFORT.
While some projects can fit neatly within a summer, others are
actually thesis projects disguised as introductory first-year projects.
A good skill to develop is recognition of the scope of a research effort,
i.e. learning to tell the difference between the above two cases. You should
develop an understanding your ability to complete projects, including
any associated documentation or paper writing. It is essential
to wrap up the first year project by the end of the Winter quarter
of Second year. An earlier exit from either fully completed or
unfruitful research efforts is recommended.
SECOND-YEAR RESEARCH.
The student is expected to start a serious dialog with an advisor
and get ready for the PhD Candidacy Exam (by middle of Third year).
The advisor may or may not be the same person you have worked with
during the first year.
TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP.
Regardless of funding source, all students are expected to gain
experience with the activities associated with teaching. Both
undergraduate and graduate courses are available for TA duties.
The students generally decide among themselves who will TA what classes.
See separate documentation for how to be a good TA.